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Food Impacts Climate

A refrigerated display case is stocked with fresh fruits.

Did you know that one of the simplest and most immediate actions you can take for the climate is to eat more plant-based meals?

That's why at Earth Day Durango, we've asked the food vendors to showcase their delicious plant-based items. We want to expose you to options that are delicious, nutritious, and better for the planet. We eat multiple times a day so there are many opportunities to make that choice!

Learn more about how your diet and food waste affects the planet. This is something you can change today!

The most impactful things you can do at home

Carbon Impacts of Actions
This page includes a nice graphic that includes food and food waste; it has a small number of actions and understanble visuals: https://www.rmets.org/metmatters/real-impact-climate-actions

But what makes the biggest difference?

World Resources Institute provides a chart showing the actions households can take and puts them in priority order: Notice that going vegan is #5

https://www.wri.org/insights/climate-friendly-choices-ranked

Which foods have the biggest and smallest carbon footprint

Small changes in your ingredients can make a big difference.
This shows which foods have the highest and lowest footprint: https://ourworldindata.org/food-choice-vs-eating-local
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This is a chart that shows impact of dairy vs. plant based milks.
https://ourworldindata.org/environmental-impact-milks

But can I get enough protein?

You can get all the protein you need from plant based sources. A number of Olympic athletes excel on a plant based diet.

And most Americans get enough protein but need more fiber; another benefit of a plant based diet!

Environment_Animal-Foods-Impact_Web

Want to learn more?

Environmental impact of various foods.

https://ourworldindata.org/environmental-impacts-of-food

This is a chart of all greenhouse gases and then the specific breakdown of food.
https://ourworldindata.org/greenhouse-gas-emissions-food

Documentaries

The Game Changers (2019): Focuses on plant-based athletes and challenges myths about protein.

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014): Investigates the environmental impact of animal agriculture.

Earthlings (2005) A, often considered, defining film on animal rights, narrated by Joaquin Phoenix.

Dominion (2018): Provides a comprehensive look at the ethical issues in factory farming.

Seaspiracy (2021): Examines the environmental damage caused by the fishing industry.

What the Health (2017): Examines the link between diet and disease, focusing on the health aspects of veganism.

Forks Over Knives (2011): Explores the benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet.

Eating Our Way to Extinction (2021): Highlights the climate impact of food choices.

 

Our Mission: Inspire businesses, organizations and people of all ages, through fun and learning, to: live more sustainably; take meaningful action at home and in the community; work towards reducing carbon emissions; and promote social justice.

Earth Day Durango is made possible by the City of Durango’s Lodgers’ Tax Arts & Culture Fund and the Durango Creative District.

City of Durango Arts and Culture
This project is made possible by the City of Durango's Lodgers' Tax Arts & Culture Fund and the Durango Creative District.
Earth Day Durango is made possible by a Lodgers' Tax Marketing Grant from the City of Durango, Prosperity Office.
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